VINTAGE: WINE MAKER:
2005 CHERYL FRANCIS AND SAM TANNAHILL
AVA: ALCOHOL BY VOL:
OREGON 13.9%
GRAPE VARIETIES:
39% MERLOT, 27% CABERNET FRANC AND 24% CABERNET SAUVIGNON WITH LESS THAN 6% SYRAH AND ~1% OF DOLCETTO, PETIT VERDOT, NEBBIOLO AND TEMPRANILLO
TASTING NOTES
Saturated dark blood-red color from the rim to a near opaque center. Strong complex initial aromas of cassis, pepper, slate, iron, black berries, cocoa, smoke, chocolate-covered cherries, pencil shavings and tar. As the wine opens, aromas of cedar, cookie dough, truffles, ripe plums and red currants emerge. In the mouth, the attack mirrors the initial aromatics with juicy, focused red and black fruits. As the wine continues to move across the palate, ripe tannins lend focus and balance to the lush and generous fruit. The concentrated succulent mid-palate gives shape and great depth to the wine as it moves to the finish. The final flavors end on a strong note of bittersweet cocoa. Small amounts of five varieties are added to the Bordelais blend for heightened aromatics and complexity and add interest and a hint of spice to the mid-palate and the finish. All of the wines were aged in small French oak barrels for 18-22 months.